Voter Registration Deadline Pushed Back as Electoral Commission Unveils Digital Platform for Self-Service

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise by an additional two weeks.

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The electoral body also unveiled an online self-service registration option for eligible first-time voters.

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The commission announced the development in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

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According to INEC, the decision followed a review of the exercise and feedback received from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

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The nationwide CVR exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026.

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The exercise is expected to be the final major voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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However, the commission has now extended the exercise until Friday, July 24, 2026, to enable more eligible Nigerians to register ahead of future elections.

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“The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the Register of Voters,” the statement said.

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INEC also announced the launch of an online self-service portal, which will allow eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without physically visiting any INEC office.

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The commission said a step-by-step guide would be made available on the portal to assist users.

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According to INEC, the system has “robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.”

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The electoral body urged all eligible Nigerians who had yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration period and the newly introduced online option.

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“The commission remains committed to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process, and to advancing the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process,” the statement stated.

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